Release Detail

June 9, 1999 - Florio Inches Up On Whitman In Senate Race,
Quinnipiac College Poll Finds;
Bob Grant And Other Candidates Barely Register

Former Democratic Governor James Florio has gained a little ground in his possible
U.S. Senate race with Gov. Christine Todd Whitman, who now leads 50 - 38 percent,
according to a Quinnipiac College Poll released today.

In a March 31 poll by the independent Quinnipiac College, Gov. Whitman was ahead
of Florio 51 - 35 percent.

The Governor's approval rating is 55 - 37 percent, compared to 52 - 40 percent in the
March 31 Quinnipiac College Poll.

By a 48 - 28 percent margin, voters have a favorable opinion of Whitman, while 21
percent have a mixed opinion and 2 percent haven't heard enough to form an opinion.
Favorability ratings for other possible Senate candidates are:

"To win votes, you first have to win recognition. So far, Florio is the only would-be
senator on the Democratic side to pass the familiarity test," Carroll said. "The former
governor has a negative 25 - 34 percent favorability, but that's an improvement on his 24 - 43
percent favorability rating March 31.

"The big money candidate is still unknown. Jon Corzine is about as close to
anonymous as a possible political candidate can be, despite what the insiders say about him,"
Carroll added.

"Radio personality Bob Grant has a loyal following, but that doesn't seem to translate
to Senate candidate Bob Grant,"

From June 2 - 7, Quinnipiac College surveyed 1,109 New Jersey residents who say
they are registered voters. The poll has a margin of error of +/- 2.9 percent.

The Quinnipiac College Poll, directed by Douglas Schwartz, conducts public opinion
surveys in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut as a public service and for research.

For additional data: www.quinnipiac.edu

1. Do you approve or disapprove of the way Christine Whitman is handling her job
as Governor of New Jersey?

Mar 31
Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom 1999

Approve 55% 76% 36% 54% 57% 53% 52%

Disapprove 37 18 55 37 35 38 40

DK/NA 8 6 9 9 8 9 8

2. Is your opinion of former New Jersey Governor James Florio favorable,
unfavorable, mixed, or haven't you heard enough about him?

Mar 31
Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom 1999

Favorable 25% 14% 40% 24% 25% 26% 24%

Unfavorable 34 52 16 35 41 27 43

Mixed 22 19 23 24 17 26 20

Haven't heard enough 18 14 21 17 16 20 12

REFUSED 1 2 - 1 - 1 1

3. Is your opinion of New Jersey Congressman Frank Pallone favorable,
unfavorable, mixed, or haven't you heard enough about him?

Mar 31
Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom 1999

Favorable 10% 5% 14% 10% 14% 8% 12%

Unfavorable 4 7 4 3 6 3 4

Mixed 9 8 7 10 10 8 10

Haven't heard enough 76 80 74 76 70 82 74

REFUSED - - 1 1 1 - -

4. Is your opinion of New Jersey Governor Christine Whitman favorable,
unfavorable, mixed, or haven't you heard enough about her?

Mar 31
Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom 1999

Favorable 48% 71% 30% 47% 51% 46% 40%

Unfavorable 28 13 45 29 29 28 25

Mixed 21 15 22 21 17 24 31

Haven't heard enough 2 2 3 2 2 3 4
REFUSED - - 1 - 1 - 1

5. Is your opinion of Former Democratic State Chairman Tom Byrne favorable,
unfavorable, mixed, or haven't you heard enough about him?